For the first time in years, I’m not pulling for the University of Florida Gators. Oh sure, I still love them, and support them, but there’s a new star in town, baby! The University of South Florida Bulls, out of Tampa, are kicking ass and taking names. They’re currently ranked #2, and their football program is only 10 years old. It’s amazing!

The big news in Florida sports this week? I’ll give you a hint - it’s doesn’t involve any of our professional sports teams.

In fact, it involves a university, that up to a few years ago, didn’t even HAVE a football program. The University of South Florida Bulls are having a fabulous season, and when they play the West Virginia Mountaineers (#5) this weekend, it will be the first time we’ve had such a highly ranked opponent here in Tampa. USF is ranked #18 currently, and the game will be a sell out, with the last of the tickets becoming available tomorrow afternoon at 5pm. (Students can line up south of the Sun Dome starting at noon on Thursday.)

I’m a product of the Florida educational system. Educated in private schools until the 6th grade, and then public middle school and high school, and then a local community college. While I was in college, I worked part time in order to cover my tuition and books. I was afraid to look into financial aid, like a Federal Stafford student loan, because no one at the college seemed to have a good grasp of what I would be getting into. I certainly wasn’t signing up for a loan that I couldn’t get information on, and this was before the internet, so I was kind of stuck.

I totally could have used a financial aid service like FinancialAid.com to help me navigate unfamiliar territory. They’ve got loan counselors who can help students and parents figure out what financial aid is best, how to get it, and even how to consolidate those loans down the road. I may not have gotten my Stafford college loan, but there’s no reason that other students shouldn’t be more in the know than I was!

For the 2nd time in 100 years, the University of Florida Gators are the national champs, after beating Ohio State in the BCS National Championship. Congratulations to Uruban Meyer and the entire team - GO GATORS!!